Thursday, December 4, 2008

Weekend What's What 12/4-12/9

MERRY MANIA

As the holiday spirit infuses every nook and cranny of American media, so come inevitable holiday shows, sales, and festive hijinx. This weekend is as merry as ever with a slew of events aimed to tickle your gift-giving bone. From craft-o-ramas to daring holiday fashion, the Twin Cities has you covered. So make your list, check it twice, and buy local - it's a win-win situation! And not to be overshadowed, the abundance of dance parties and live shows ensure you'll party as hard as you shop, and we can't argue with that.

xo-l'étoile

THURSDAY DECEMBER 4TH

First Thursday

@ The Northeast Arts DistrictVarious locationsNortheast Minneapolis

5pm-9pm/free

We say it every month: Get thee down to Northeast’s First Thursdays! There’s a reason everyone in the world runs across the river the first Thursday of every month—those uber-talented artists that have holed up in their studios all month fling open the doors to show off what they’ve been doing. In terms of allure, this is sort of like when Willy Wonka opens up his chocolate factory.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NEMAA SITE

THURSDAY DECEMBER 4TH

Ruby3 Progressive Holiday Trunk Show

@ Miyagi Salon411 E. Hennepin AvenueMinneapolis

7pm-11pm / Free

A daring headpiece from fashion scene mover and shaker Anna Lee's Ruby3 line ought to be a staple in every stylish dame's wardrobe. These sprightly and whimsical creations are pure art for the noggin, with curling velvet, sparkling beads and unexpected twists galore. Tonight's trunk show will feature Anna Lee's latest collection of cocktail hats, as well as cold weather wear. The sugary sweet design team of Calpurnia Peach rounds things out with sexy screen-printed legwear. Stick around and be privy to a live photo shoot with our pal Jayme Halbritter as he captures the fashionable creations on models styled by the talented team at Miyagi Salon. After you satisfy your fashion tooth, head to the free after party at our fave hangout, The Red Stag, for live music courtesy of recently rejuvenated rockers, Faux Jean.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE RUBY3 SITEPhotos by Nic Marshall/Styling by Eclecticoiffeur

THURSDAY DECEMBER 4TH

MAEP Artist-Led Tour

@ MIA 2400 Third Ave. SMinneapolis

7pm-9pm

A model is never supposed to be a direct representation of a structure. Rescaled and minimalist, it is an obvious mock-up. But the models in The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program exhibit, Journey to the Surface of the Earth, are so well constructed and mathematically designed that under intensified light and photographed in high detail, their images confuse our perception of realness. In this artist-led tour exhibit, Margaret Pezalla-Granlund and Max Schollett use ubiquitous objects (paper and magazines) to reconstruct everyday structures (parking ramps and ladders) and explore the space between what is real and what we can be swayed into believing is real.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE MIA SITE

FRIDAY ART PICK: THOMAS ALLEN

Native Minnesotan photographer Thomas Allen constructs witty and clever dioramas using figures cut from the covers of old pulp paperbacks. Using pulp art covers of the '40s and '50s from such classics as "I Married a Dead Man" and "Marihuana Girl", Allen constructs one set of pictures up close while obscuring another, and in the process creates a different context. Each piece is given a brand new storyline, though never quite strays from their cheeky origins. Pick up a copy of Allen's book Thomas Allen: Uncovered for more funny, provocative and at times out right sexy pulp culture masterpieces.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE THOMAS ALLEN SITE

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5TH (THROUGH SATURDAY)

No Coast Craft-o-rama

@ Midtown Exchange2901 Chicago Ave SMinneapolis

3pm-8pm / Free

Our first tip: bring plenty of cash. Second tip: prepare to be really proud/excited/envious of all the crafters the Midwest offers up. Not only can you buy handmade for everyone on your list, but you can meet Kelley Deal of the Breeders; eat some food from around the globe; watch an “Upcycle Craft-a-thon," and know, in a lot of cases, you’re buying green. And with a lot of gifts under $20, you win! Through Saturday, December 6th.

BONUS: Be sure to seek out l'étoile bestie Papernova who will be shilling her handmade greeting cards, quirky shadow box art and other weird/cool wares all weekend.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NO COAST SITE

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 5TH

Rare Affections Opening Reception

@ Gaviidae Common II555 Nicollet Mall 2nd floorMinneapolis

4pm-7pm / Free

Showing up at a holiday soirée in the same dress as someone else is a giant fashion faux pas every girl tries to avoid. By buying from local designers you not only steer clear from that mishap and arrive in a stunning one-of-a-kind garment, but you're supporting local fashion (which always gets you on l’étoile's good side)! The “Rare Affections” collection unveils itself today featuring the beautiful, atypical designs of Voltage designers and local fashion buzzworthies. The eclectic collection showcases something for everyone's taste. From the urban street-wear of Voltage designer Calpurnia Peach to Lolita styles of Blasphemina's Closet, to the gorgeously asymmetrical and eccentric designs of Laura Fulk, and flashy displays from Ra'mon-Lawrence - the only issue you may encounter while wearing your chic frock is running into the designer at the party you wear it to. Other designers whose sales will be on the racks today are Max Lohrback, Ivan Idland, Princess Warrior, Red Shoe Clothing Co., Ruby3 and Veronica DelCarmen Gomez Whitney. So, forget the MOA and rush downtown to the MNFashion Holiday Boutique. Your closet will thank you for it.

Bonus: Find the perfect dress and the perfect fit all in one day as the designs will be on the scene and available for any alterations you might need.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFOSketch by designer Samantha Rei

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5TH (THROUGH SUNDAY)

Grainbelt Holiday Gala

@ Grainbelt Bottling House79 13th Avenue NEMinneapolis

Friday Reception: 6-10pm, Sat: Noon-8pm Sun: Noon to 4pm

The Bottling House will be rockin' this Friday as over 40 artists kick off a weekend-long extravaganza brimming with film, photography, painting, sculpture and more. Tonight's opening reception is a multi-media event with music from the likes of Peter Lochner, Eliza Blue, Acoustic Death Orchestra, and The Vicious Alive. No doubt snackings and libations will be available as well; it is an art opening after all.

In a culture where Christmas is synonymous with Consumerism, Altered Aesthetics Happy Holidaze explores the dazzling daze of annual celebrations that are taken over marketing. From Christmas to Easter, Valentine's to Halloween, artists take a look at the meaning behind holiday marketing and consumerism. As an extra creative twist, Altered Esthetics is also conducting an online survey asking guests questions about their favorite and least favorite holidays and memories. The results will then be displayed in innovative ways around the exhibit.

CLICK THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COMArt by Brandon Kuehn

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 5TH

Hotel

@ Kitty Cat Klub 315 14th Ave. SEMinneapolis

10pm / +21/ Free

While some motels might claim to “leave the light on for you,” Jonathan Ackerman and friends always leave the party going for you at Hotel. That's right, it's time for another fabulous installment of Dinkytown's favorite dance night. Tonight, Spanky Masterson, Phep Sheddibone and NYC's own My Cousin Roy join Ackerman to tear up the floor just for your dancing gratification. And Hotel's no cover access means more cash to spend on other necessary things (ahem* drinks* ahem). That's what we call a dance night that fits all your economic needs!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR MORE INFO

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 5TH

Get Cryphy

@ First Ave VIP Room701 1st Ave. NMinneapolis

10pm / 18+/ $3

You don't have to settle for a mediocre night at a frat saturated club to get your rap anthem fix. Get Cryphy's got your banging beats in true gangster rollin' VIP style. Laying down the club standard for ghetto, bass, electro and funk, DJs Jimmy 2 Times and Plain Ole Bill start their sets tight and end them tight for a hands-in-the-air all night affair. This evening, the Cryphy boys are joined by Doomtree's Paper Tiger for some extra hip-hop flavor. Brace yourself and do not attempt to adjust the bass.

BONUS: Come back to First Ave tomorrow night for the official Doomtree Blowout IV.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE GET CRYPHY SITE

FRIDAY DECEMBER 5TH

Black Christmas Party

@ Blacklist Vintage 2 E 27th St.Minneapolis

9pm / Free

It’s not every vintage store that invites you to play a game of tabletop Ms. Pacman. If that’s not enticing enough, how about partying in a vintage store? Everything is 10% off, DJ Jake Rudh from Transmission spins, they’ll have food to eat and mistletoe to catch your crush under. Tres chic.

We love radical history. This collection of shorts, experimental and documentary films and videos sums up the last 150 years of Chicago’s struggle. Ranging from guerrilla television, 60’s radicalism, the Black Panthers and Haymarket, the works share a DIY attitude. Since this collection of films is practically being delivered to your doorstep, find out what sort of activism Chicago can take credit for.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COM

COOL LINK: SECRETS OF THE CITY

Shhhhh...We have a secret to confide - We have an addiction. Every day we have to check the Secrets of the City page. Recently, The Rake joined forces with MNSpeak to let the denizens of our city in on more than a few juicy secrets. From an open forum to witty articles, let Secrets of the City be your own little secret.

BONUS: Subscribe to the Secrets of the Day newsletter to get schooled on the coolest daily events by l’étoile editor Kate Iverson (who just so happens to also be the Secrets of the City A+E Editor)!

For some the past is just a distant memory, others live in its firm grasp, but what about those who simply refuse to even acknowledge its existence? This is the issue artist John Diebel explores in the exhibit Sketchy Past featured at Rosalux Gallery. His sinister and controversial drawings reveal a “notorious local past that reeks of dirty money, illicit liquor, social upheaval and cheap perfume” as overlooked by authorities and citizens of that era. In the same exhibit, artist Greg Priglmeier juxtaposes his real life employment with his fantasy-wished jobs in a unique art combination of ink work and paneled paint applications. Both artists encourage the viewer to glimpse inside a world thought best kept hidden. While you're there, visit another opening reception in the lower level Pocket Gallery, displaying the whimsical work of artist Terrence Payne in his exhibit, Powder Room.

CLICK FOR THIS ART EVENT AND MORE AT MPLSART.COMThe Hoodie Made Me Do It by Terrence Payne

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6TH

Juried Art Show, Sale and Auction

@ Weisman Art Museum333 E River PkwyMinneapolis

7pm-10pm / $50

Ooooh, a gala event. This semi-formal event promises Minnesota artists, both emerging and established, hors d’oeuvres and wine by D’Amico, and an auction of Best of Show pieces. Proceeds benefit the free after school arts enrichment and tutoring program at Urban Arts Academy, which, if you haven't heard, is quite amazing. Tonight is the perfect excuse to get gussied up for a good cause: Art!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE URBAN ARTS ACADEMY SITE

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6TH

Doomtree Blowout IV

@ First Ave701 1st Ave N.Minneapolis

6pm / 18+ / $10

The Midwest's hardest working hip-hop crew is back for round four of their annual Blowout. Expect to see stellar performances by Cecil, Dessa, Sims, P.O.S. Mike Mictlan, Turbo Nemesis, Paper Tiger, MK Larada, and Lazerbeak (whew!) passin' the mic with no openers and no downtime, along with live art by some of Minneapolis' finest visual artists. This year's Blowout promises to be even more rewarding than the last; a DVD, which includes the 2006 show in its entirety, will be available at the show. Be sure to buy tickets in advance, the Blowout always sells out!

BONUS: Dessa has written a short collection of essays titled Spiral Bound. The book won't hit shelves until January 6th, but fans can purchase advance copies at the show.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE DOOMTREE SITE

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6TH

Vicious Vicious

@ Turf Club1601 University Ave St Paul

9pm / 21+ / $6

You might have noticed that we have a thing for catchy, danceable pop with a sugary cherry on top. Vicious Vicious know how to whip crowds into a dancing, sing-a-long frenzy with their sultry jams and funk-infused, bluesy beats. Front man Erik Appelwick makes us (and every female in the Twin Cities) swoon with his flirty lyrics and breathy delivery that serves as the perfect soundtrack for wooing that one-night stand, reminding listeners just how sexy and sweet the thrill of the chase can be. The Story of the Sea will perform the opening duties.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE VICIOUS VICIOUS SITE

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6TH

Nomad Cabaret Noir

@ Nomad World Pub501 Cedar Av. S.Minneapolis

7:30pm / 21+ / $10

Musical style cabaret is currently enjoying a big resurgence, and the Nomad has lined up the perfect evening of olde world faire headlined by Nicki Jaine, a genuine cabaret chanteuse complete with a deep, honeyed voice and musical saw! Expect the unexpected; it should be an interesting night, with menaces to sobriety The Dregs also set to perform intoxicating ballads and sea shanties that'll have you three sheets to the wind! So, pour yourself a cold one and get ready for a stomping, clapping, spitting, swearing, mug-swinging, good time!

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE NOMAD SITE

SATURDAY DECEMBER 6TH

My Neighbor Totoro

@ Uptown Theatre2906 Hennepin AveMinneapolis

Midnight / $9

Japanese Anime from the 80’s! If you’ve only seen this on VHS, or haven’t yet had the pleasure, see it at midnight on the big screen! This is the film that made the world aware of anime, and hasn’t stopped being cute since then. This film is full of spirits, magical creatures and giant cats with umbrellas. What else would you rather be doing at the stroke of midnight, really?

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE UPTOWN SITE

SUNDAY MUSIC PICK: SALEM

It only takes one memorizing note to realize that Salem is unlike any band you've experienced before. Just released on Acephale records, Salem's new EP has elements of southern rap, goth, electronic and ambient, pushing them into uncharted territory. In fact, some music blogs have been forced to make up a label for their unique genre; Summer Lover's Unlimited calls them “goth shoegaze.” The eerie mix of male and female vocals jump from distorted, often alien sounding to haunting choruses, reminiscent of a children's choir. Salem's stylized angst music gets under your skin with personalized intensity, making them a bit overwhelming to listen to for long periods of time. But this band is definitely worth a listen for any die-hard Cocteau Twins fan, or simply for anyone who loves music you can't categorize. Whether or not the band's name is a reference to the infamous witch-hunts, the dark and sinister mood of the music leads you to believe it could easily be the town's anthem.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE SALEM MYSPACE

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7TH

Handmaiden's Craftmas

@ Uptown VFW2916 Lyndale Ave SMinneapolis

10am-5pm / Free

We’re lucky to have so many craft fairs this weekend. This ensures you will get your holiday shopping done with, you’ll feel good for having supported local artists and crafters, and you might find a thing or two for yourself. Handmaiden's shows are always a blast-you can drink a beer and shop at the same time!

Our hearts are breaking into a million tiny pieces! One of our absolute favorite ladies is leaving the snowy tundra of Minnesota for the bright lights and pleasant temps of Austin, TX. We suppose we have to appreciate the fact that we were able to hang onto this fierce Twin Cities music icon for as long as we have, though we still wish we could lock her in our closet to keep her close! For those very rare few of you who are saying, "Who's this Lori Barbero character?" we'll indulge you. Lori first won our hearts as teenagers in the early 90s as the dread-headed drummer of totally rockin' and influential band, Babes in Toyland. Widely credited with bringing the "riot grrrl" scene to fruition, Babes in Toyland made a huge impact on the local, national and international music scene - and on us personally. Through the years Lori has kept her fingers in the scene, nurturing local talent, playing in other bands and DJing the coolest parties in the city. We are proud to say we count Miss Lori as a friend and we'll miss the hell out of her; but on the bright side, we'll have a couch to crash on in Austin. So, head down to Grumpy's in Roseville tonight, where friends have commandeered an entire party room in Lori's honor, and pay homage to this legendary scene shaper and amazing, kind-hearted, funny, and wonderful lady! l'étoile loves you Lori, good luck in Austin!

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A TINY MACHINE MONDAY

Another post from our fave sci-fi/beauty blogger, a Tiny Machine. For more posts click HERE.

One Degree of Separation, Sometimes Two

I was watching an old episode of How I Met Your Mother the other day, and while giggling at the helmet-headed news anchor Sandy Rivers, I realized how familiar the actor looked. As the credits rolled, I recognized a name in the guest star roster. Alexis Denisof as 'Sandy Rivers.' Yep, Sandy Rivers is also Wesley from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. So I started thinking about the many links between HIMYM and the Whedonverse, and here's what I came up with:

- (Obviously) Alexis Denisof appears in Buffy, Angel and HIMYM.

- Alexis Denisof is married (and having a baby!) with Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow in Buffy and plays Lily on HIMYM.

-Neil Patrick Harris plays Barney on HIMYM and played the title character in Doctor Horrible, Whedon's made-for-the-web musical.

-Amy Acker was a regular on Angel (And the last season of Alias. Not relevant, but just saying), guest starred on HIMYM, and is now a cast member of Whedon's new series Dollhouse.

-John Cho, who guest starred on HIMYM, played Harold in the Harold and Kumar movies, which also featured Neil Patrick Harris. And Kal Penn, who played Kumar, had a small role in a season four episode of Buffy.

And I'm out of connections.....for now. Mainly, because I'm too lazy to do any internet research.

CLICK THE IMAGE FOR THE TINY MACHINE SITE

TUESDAY DECEMBER 9TH

Silver + Gold

@ Clubhouse Jager923 Washington Ave. North Loop

Every Tuesday / 21+ / 10pm / Free

Join DJ Jonathan Ackerman and l’étoile magazine for an evening of sly winks and sideways glances every Tuesday at Clubhouse Jager. Create some mystery, sip 2-4-1 cocktails with pretty people, and dance the night away to electro, pop, and so much more.

BONUS: Flirt up a storm then visit letoilemagazine.com on Wednesdays for "missed connections" from the night before!

E-MAIL US

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l'etoile magazine
628 4th Street NE
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